Discount supermarket giant Aldi has confirmed a significant pay increase for its store-based employees across the UK, set to take effect well before the government's annual wage adjustment.
Pay Boost Details and National Comparison
From 1 March 2026, hourly pay for Aldi store assistants will rise by 33p, moving from £13.02 to £13.35 per hour. This proactive increase comes ahead of the statutory National Living Wage rise, which is scheduled for April and will see the rate for workers aged 21 and over increase by 50p to £12.71.
This timing means thousands of Aldi employees will effectively receive an extra 64p per hour compared to the current national minimum, solidifying the retailer's position as a top payer in the sector. The company stated this forms part of a £36 million investment in staff pay and benefits.
Enhanced Benefits and London Weighting
The investment extends beyond basic pay. Aldi has also enhanced its maternity pay offer, extending full pay to 26 weeks. Furthermore, pay for store apprentices will increase to £12.02 per hour.
Employees working within the M25 will receive a slightly higher increase of 36p, taking their hourly rate from £14.35 to £14.71. Depending on service length, pay can rise to £14.30 nationally and £15.03 in London.
Aldi remains unique among UK supermarkets by offering paid breaks to all store staff, a benefit it values at up to £1,470 annually per employee.
Leadership Commentary and Business Context
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, emphasised the company's commitment to its workforce. "Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do," he said. "Their hard work and dedication is what allows us to offer customers the quality, value and service they expect from Aldi. That's why we're making such a significant investment in our promise to never be beaten on pay for our colleagues."
The announcement follows a period of strong trading for the UK's fourth-largest supermarket, which reported £1.65 billion in festive sales. The grocer, which operates over 1,060 stores and employs more than 45,000 people nationally, also plans to open 80 new stores in the next two years as part of a major expansion drive.
